University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

VALENTINIAN and HERACLIUS.
Heraclius.
Ætius attends thy will, as does his son—
With them Beotius, prefect of the city.

Valentinian.
Let only Ætius enter—tell him
The business is of such import—
No other ear must witness—thou wilt thy self
Take care of both Beotius and Gaudentius.

Heraclius.
I will my lord—he and his noble friend
May fight Attila in the shades below,
If that fierce warrior still remembers Rome.

Valentinian.
No vulgar souls we'll send the gods this day;
Petronius next, and then defy the world.
[Exit Heraclius.
My arm be strong—away with conscious qualms—
His is a life worthy of Cæsar's sword:
'Tis true I but suspect his cover'd treason:
Yet, Ætius must die—as shall Gaudentius.

[Exit.